Film comprising propylene-ethylene-1-butene terpolymers

ABSTRACT

A film made from or containing a polyolefin composition made from or containing:
     A) from about 19 wt % to about 50 wt %, based upon the total weight of the polyolefin composition, of a propylene ethylene copolymer having an ethylene derived units content ranging from about 1.5 wt % to about 6.0 wt %, based upon the total weight of the propylene ethylene copolymer; and   B) from about 50 wt % to about 81 wt %, based upon the total weight of the polyolefin composition, of a propylene ethylene 1-butene terpolymer having an ethylene derived units content ranging from about 1.5 wt % to about 6.0 wt %, based upon the total weight of the propylene ethylene 1-butene terpolymer, and 1-butene derived units content of between about 4.8 wt % and about 12.4 wt %, based upon the total weight of the propylene ethylene 1-butene terpolymer;   the sum of the amount of component A) and B) being 100.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

In general, the present disclosure relates to the field of chemistry.More specifically, the present disclosure relates to polymer chemistry.In particular, the present disclosure relates to films made from orcontaining a composition made from or containing a propylene/ethylenecopolymer and a propylene/ethylene/1-butene terpolymer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Propylene copolymers or terpolymers are useful for making films.

Propylene copolymers or terpolymers have better impact, lower rigidityand better transparency than propylene homopolymers. In some cases,finding an acceptable balance between these properties is difficult.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a general embodiment, the present disclosure provides a film madefrom or containing a polyolefin composition made from or containing apropylene/ethylene copolymer and a propylene/ethylene/1-buteneterpolymer.

In a general embodiment, the present disclosure provides a film madefrom or containing a polyolefin composition made from or containing:

A) from about 19 wt % to about 50 wt %, based upon the total weight ofthe polyolefin composition, of a propylene ethylene copolymer having anethylene derived units content ranging from about 1.5 wt % to 6.0 aboutwt %, based upon the total weight of the propylene ethylene copolymerand

B) from about 50 wt % to about 81 wt %, based upon the total weight ofthe polyolefin composition, of a propylene ethylene 1-butene terpolymerhaving an ethylene derived units content ranging from about 1.5 wt % toabout 6.0 wt %, based upon the total weight of the propylene ethylene1-butene terpolymer, and 1-butene derived units content of between about4.8 wt % and about 12.4 wt %, based upon the total weight of thepropylene ethylene 1-butene terpolymer;

the sum of the amounts of component A) and B) being 100;

the polyolefin composition being characterized by the followingfeatures:

-   -   molecular weight distribution (MWD), expressed in terms of        Mw/Mn, greater than about 4.0;    -   melt Flow Rate (MFR 230° C. 2.16 kg) of the polyolefin        composition, as a reactor grade, ranges from about 0.9 to about        25 g/10 min;        component A) of the polyolefin composition being obtained by        polymerizing propylene and ethylene in the presence of a        catalyst made from or containing the product of the reaction        between:    -   (i) a solid catalyst component made from or containing Ti, Mg,        Cl, and an internal electron donor compound, containing from        about 0.1 to about 50% wt of Bi, based upon the total weight of        the solid catalyst component;    -   (ii) an alkylaluminum compound and,    -   (iii) an electron-donor compound (external donor);        component B) of the polyolefin composition being obtained by        polymerizing propylene, ethylene and 1-butene in the presence of        a catalyst made from or containing the product of the reaction        between:    -   (i) a solid catalyst component made from or containing Ti, Mg,        Cl, and an internal electron donor compound, containing from        about 0.1 to about 50% wt of Bi, based upon the total weight of        the solid catalyst component;    -   (ii) an alkylaluminum compound and,    -   (iii) an electron-donor compound (external donor).        In the present description, the term “reactor grade” as used        herein refers to a polyolefin composition that has not been        subjected to chemical or physical visbreaking.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The claimed subject matter may be understood by reference to thefollowing description taken in conjunction with the accompanying FIGURE,in which

FIG. 1 represents the creep and recovery curve measured on the polymerfuse at 200° C. of Examples 1 and 2 and Comparative Example 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In a general embodiment, the present disclosure provides a film madefrom or containing a polyolefin composition made from or containing:

A) from about 19 wt % to about 50 wt % alternatively from about 25 wt %to about 42 wt %; alternatively from about 31 wt % to about 38 wt %,based upon the total weight of the polyolefin composition, of apropylene ethylene copolymer having an ethylene derived units contentranging from about 1.5 wt % to about 6.0 wt %; alternatively from about2.6 wt % to about 5.2 wt %, alternatively from about 3.1 wt % to about4.3 wt %, based upon the total weight of the propylene ethylenecopolymer;

B) from about 50 wt % to about 81 wt %, alternatively from about 58 wt %to about 75 wt %; alternatively from about 62 wt % to about 69 wt %,based upon the total weight of the polyolefin composition, of apropylene ethylene 1-butene terpolymer having an ethylene derived unitscontent ranging from about 1.5 wt % to about 6.0 wt %; alternativelyfrom about 1.9 wt % to about 4.8 wt %; alternatively from about 2.1 wt %to about 3.7 wt %, based upon the total weight of the propylene ethylene1-butene terpolymer, and 1-butene derived units content of between about4.8 wt % and about 12.4 wt %; alternatively from about 5.1 wt % to about10.3 wt %; alternatively from about 6.8 wt % to about 9.5 wt %, basedupon the total weight of the propylene ethylene 1-butene terpolymer;

the sum of the amount of component A) and B) being 100;

the polyolefin composition being characterized by the followingfeatures:

molecular weight distribution (MWD), expressed in terms of Mw/Mn,greater than about 4.0; alternatively greater than about 4.5;alternatively greater than about 4.7;

melt Flow Rate (MFR 230° C. 2.16 kg) of the polyolefin composition, as areactor grade, ranges from about 0.9 to about 25 g/10 min, alternativelyfrom about 3.0 to about 20.0 g/10 min; alternatively from about 4.0 toabout 18.0 g/10 min;

wherein component A) of the polyolefin composition being obtained bypolymerizing propylene and ethylene in the presence of a catalyst madefrom or containing the product of the reaction between:

-   -   (i) a solid catalyst component made from or containing Ti, Mg,        Cl, and an internal electron donor compound, containing from        about 0.1 to about 50% wt of Bi, based upon the total weight of        the solid catalyst component;    -   (ii) an alkylaluminum compound and,    -   (iii) an electron-donor compound (external donor); and        component B) of the polyolefin composition being obtained by        polymerizing propylene, ethylene and 1-butene in the presence of        a catalyst made from or containing the product of the reaction        between:    -   (i) a solid catalyst component made from or containing Ti, Mg,        Cl, and an internal electron donor compound, containing from        about 0.1 to about 50% wt of Bi, based upon the total weight of        the solid catalyst component;    -   (ii) an alkylaluminum compound and,    -   (iii) an electron-donor compound (external donor).        In some embodiments, in the polyolefin composition the creep and        recovery curve measured on the polymer fuse at 200° C. shows a        maximum value between 600 and 1200 seconds, lower than about        53×10⁻⁵ 1/Pa; alternatively lower than about 51×10⁻⁵ 1/Pa,        alternatively lower than about 45×10⁻⁵ 1/Pa.        In some embodiments, in the polyolefin composition the ethylene        derived units content ranges from about 1.5 wt % to about 6.0 wt        %; alternatively from about 2.1 wt % to about 5.2 wt %;        alternatively from about 2.5 wt % to about 4.3 wt %;        alternatively from about 2.8 wt % to about 3.9 wt %, based upon        the total weight of the polyolefin composition.        In some embodiments, in the polyolefin composition the 1-butene        derived units content ranges from about 3.2 wt % to about 9.8 wt        %; alternatively from about 3.6 wt % to about 8.2 wt %;        alternatively from about 4.8 wt % to about 7.9 wt %;        alternatively from about 5.8 wt % to about 7.4 wt %, based upon        the total weight of the polyolefin composition.

In the present description, the term “propylene ethylene 1-buteneterpolymer” as used herein refers to a polymer containing propylene,ethylene and 1-butene comonomers. In the present description, the term“propylene ethylene copolymer” as used herein refers to a polymercontaining propylene and ethylene as comonomers.

In some embodiments, the films include cast films, blow films ormultilayer films. In some embodiments, the films are multilayer films.

In some embodiments, the multilayer films have at least a skin layermade from or containing the polyolefin composition made from orcontaining component A) and component B) while the remaining layers areformed of the same or other materials useful in multilayer films orfilm-coated products. In some embodiments, each layer is formed of apolypropylene homopolymer or copolymer or polyethylene homopolymer orcopolymer or other kind of polymers such as EVA, EVOH.

The combination and number of the layers of the multilayer structure isnot limited. In some embodiments, the number of layers is from 3 to 11layers, alternatively from 3 to 9 layers, and alternatively from 3 to 7layers, and alternatively from 3 to 5 layers. In some embodiments,combinations include A/B/A, A/B/C, AB/CB/A, and A/B/C/D/C/B/A, includingat least a skin layer A made from or containing the polyolefincomposition.

In some embodiments, the layers of the multilayer film are 3 or 5wherein at least one skin layer is made from or contains the polyolefincomposition. In some embodiments, the structure is A/B/A or A/B/Cwherein A is the polyolefin composition.

In the present description, the term “skin layer” as used herein refersto the top layer and/or the bottom layer of a multilayer film.

In some embodiments, in the multilayer film the top and the bottom layerof the film is made from or contains the polyolefin composition.

The film obtained with the polyolefin composition have a low sealinitiation temperature (SIT) together with a low xylene solublesmeasured at 0/25° C.

In some embodiments, the polyolefin composition has:

the content of xylene soluble fraction at 0/25° C. (XS) between about1.2 wt % and about 15.1 wt %; alternatively between about 3.2 wt % andabout 12.3 wt %; alternatively between about 4.1 wt % and about 11.6 wt%, based upon the total weight of the polyolefin composition.

the seal initiation temperature (SIT) between about 90° C. and about110° C.; alternatively between about 92° C. and about 107° C.;alternatively between about 94° C. and about 105° C.

In some embodiments, the xylene soluble fraction at 0/25° C. and theseal initiation temperature (SIT) fulfill the following relationSIT<114−(XS×1.3)where:XS=% by weight of the fraction soluble in xylene at 0/25° C. based uponthe total weight of the polyolefin composition;SIT=° C. is the seal initiation temperature (SIT).In some embodiments, the relation is:SIT<113−(XS×1.3);

In some embodiments, the difference between the melting point and theSIT is higher than about 25° C.; alternatively higher than about 26° C.

In some embodiments, the polyolefin composition is prepared by a processincluding polymerizing propylene with ethylene in a first stage and thenpropylene with ethylene and 1-butene, in a second stage in the presenceof a catalyst made from or containing the product of the reactionbetween:

(i) a solid catalyst component made from or containing Ti, Mg, Cl, andan electron donor compound, containing from about 0.1 to about 50% wt ofBi, based upon the total weight of the solid catalyst component;

(ii) an alkylaluminum compound and,

(iii) an electron-donor compound (external donor).

In some embodiments, in the catalyst component the content of Bi rangesfrom about 0.5 to about 40%, alternatively from about 1 to about 35,alternatively from about 2 to about 25% wt and alternatively from about2 to about 20% wt, based upon the total weight of the solid catalystcomponent.

In some embodiments, the particles of solid component have substantiallyspherical morphology and average diameter ranging between about 5 andabout 150 alternatively from about 20 to about 100 alternatively fromabout 30 to about 90 In the present description, the term “substantiallyspherical morphology” as used herein refers to particles having theratio between the greater axis and the smaller axis equal to or lowerthan about 1.5, alternatively lower than about 1.3.

In some embodiments, the amount of Mg ranges from about 8 to about 30%,alternatively from about 10 to about 25% wt, based upon the total weightof the solid catalyst component.

In some embodiments, the amount of Ti ranges from about 0.5 to about 5weight %, alternatively from about 0.7 to about 3% wt, based upon thetotal weight of the solid catalyst component.

In some embodiments, internal electron donor compounds are selected fromalkyl and aryl esters of optionally substituted aromatic polycarboxylicacids such as esters of benzoic and phthalic acids, In some embodiments,the esters are selected from the group consisting of n-butylphthalate,di-isobutylphthalate, di-n-octylphthalate, ethyl-benzoate and p-ethoxyethyl-benzoate.

In some embodiments, the Mg/Ti molar ratio is equal to, or higher than,about 13, alternatively in the range of about 14 to about 40,alternatively from about 15 to about 40. In some embodiments, theMg/donor molar ratio is higher than about 16, alternatively higher thanabout 17 and alternatively from about 18 to about 50.

In some embodiments, Bi atoms derive from one or more Bi compounds nothaving Bi-carbon bonds. In some embodiments, the Bi compounds areselected from the group consisting of Bi halides, Bi carbonate, Biacetate, Bi nitrate, Bi oxide, Bi sulphate, and Bi sulfide. In someembodiments, the Bi compounds are made from or contain Bi with valence3⁺. In some embodiments, the Bi compound is selected from the groupconsisting of Bi trichloride and Bi tribromide. In some embodiments, theBi compound is BiCl₃.

In some embodiments, the solid catalyst component is prepared byreacting a titanium compound of formula Ti(OR)_(q-y)X_(y), where q isthe valence of titanium and y is a number between 1 and q, with amagnesium chloride deriving from an adduct of formula MgCl₂.pROH, wherep is a number between about 0.1 and about 6, alternatively from about 2to about 3.5, and R is a hydrocarbon radical having 1-18 carbon atoms.In some embodiments, the titanium compound is TiCl₄. In someembodiments, the adduct is prepared in spherical form by mixing alcoholand magnesium chloride, operating under stirring conditions at themelting temperature of the adduct (100-130° C.). Then, the adduct ismixed with an inert hydrocarbon immiscible with the adduct therebycreating an emulsion which is quickly quenched causing thesolidification of the adduct in form of spherical particles. In someembodiments, the procedure for the preparation of the spherical adductsare as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,399,054 and 4,469,648, incorporatedherein by reference. In some embodiments, the adduct is reacted with Ticompound or subjected to thermal controlled dealcoholation (80-130° C.),thereby obtaining an adduct in which the number of moles of alcohol islower than about 3, alternatively between about 0.1 and about 2.5. Insome embodiments, the reaction with the Ti compound is carried out bysuspending the adduct (dealcoholated or as such) in cold TiCl₄; themixture is heated up to 80-130° C. and kept at this temperature for0.5-2 hours. In some embodiments, the temperature of the cold TiCl₄ isabout 0° C. In some embodiments, the treatment with TiCl₄ is carried outone or more times. In some embodiments, the electron donor compound isadded during the treatment with TiCl₄.

In some embodiments, the Bi compound is incorporated directly into theMgCl₂.pROH adduct during preparation of the adduct. In some embodiments,the Bi compound is added at the initial stage of adduct preparation bymixing the Bi compound together with MgCl₂ and the alcohol.Alternatively, the Bi compound is added to the molten adduct before theemulsification step. The amount of Bi introduced ranges from about 0.1to about 1 mole per mole of Mg in the adduct. In some embodiments, theBi compounds which are incorporated directly into the MgCl₂.pROH adductare Bi halides. In some embodiments, the Bi compound is BiCl₃.

In some embodiments, the alkyl-Al compound (ii) is selected from thegroup consisting of trialkyl aluminum compounds. In some embodiments,the trialkyl aluminum compound is selected from the group consisting oftriethylaluminum, triisobutylaluminum, tri-n-butylaluminum,tri-n-hexylaluminum, and tri-n-octylaluminum. In some embodiments, thealkylaluminum compound (ii) is selected from the group consisting ofalkylaluminum halides, alkylaluminum hydrides and alkylaluminumsesquichlorides, optionally in mixture with the trialkyl aluminumcompounds. In some embodiments, the alkylaluminum sesquichlorides areselected from the group consisting of AlEt₂Cl and Al₂Et₃Cl₃. In someembodiments, the Al/Ti ratio is higher than about 1, alternativelybetween about 50 and about 2000.

In some embodiments, the external electron-donor compounds are selectedfrom the group consisting of silicon compounds, ethers, esters, amines,heterocyclic compounds and ketones. In some embodiments, the externalelectron-donor compound is 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine.

In some embodiments, the external donor compounds are silicon compoundsof formula (R₆)_(a)(R₇)_(b)Si(OR₈)_(c), where a and b are integers from0 to 2, c is an integer from 1 to 4 and the sum (a+b+c) is 4; R₆, R₇,and R₈, are alkyl, cycloalkyl or aryl radicals with 1-18 carbon atomsoptionally containing heteroatoms. In some embodiments, the siliconcompounds have a is 1, b is 1, c is 2, at least one of R₆ and R₇ isselected from branched alkyl, cycloalkyl or aryl groups with 3-10 carbonatoms optionally containing heteroatoms and R₈ is a C₁-C₁₀ alkyl group.In some embodiments, R₈ is a methyl. In some embodiments, the siliconcompounds are selected from the group consisting ofmethylcyclohexyldimethoxysilane (C donor), diphenyldimethoxysilane,methyl-t-butyldimethoxysilane, dicyclopentyldimethoxysilane (D donor),diisopropyldimethoxysilane, (2-ethylpiperidinyl)t-butyldimethoxysilane,(2-ethylpiperidinyl)thexyldimethoxysilane,(3,3,3-trifluoro-n-propyl)-(2-ethylpiperidinyl)-dimethoxysilane, andmethyl(3,3,3-trifluoro-n-propyl)dimethoxysilane. In some embodiments,the silicon compounds have a is 0, c is 3, R₇ is a branched alkyl orcycloalkyl group, optionally containing heteroatoms, and R₈ is methyl.In some embodiments, the silicon compounds are selected from the groupconsisting of cyclohexyltrimethoxysilane, t-butyltrimethoxysilane andthexyltrimethoxysilane.

In some embodiments, the electron donor compound (iii) is used in suchan amount to give a molar ratio between the organoaluminum compound andthe electron donor compound (iii) of from about 0.1 to about 500,alternatively from about 1 to about 300, alternatively from about 3 toabout 100.

In some embodiments, the polyolefin composition is obtained by blendingcomponents A) and B). In some embodiments, both components are obtainedby polymerization processes in gas-phase operating in one or morefluidized or mechanically agitated bed reactors, slurry polymerizationusing as diluent an inert hydrocarbon solvent, or bulk polymerizationusing the liquid monomer as a reaction medium. In some embodiments, theliquid monomer is propylene. In some embodiments, the polyolefincomposition is obtained with a polymerization process in two or morestages in which component A) is obtained in the first stages and thencomponent B) is obtained in the second stages in the presence ofcomponent A). In some embodiments, each stage is in gas-phase, operatingin one or more fluidized or mechanically agitated bed reactors, slurryphase using as diluent an inert hydrocarbon solvent, or bulkpolymerization using the liquid monomer as a reaction medium. In someembodiments, the liquid monomer is propylene.

In some embodiments, the polymerization is carried out at temperature offrom 20 to 120° C., alternatively from 40 to 80° C. In some embodiments,the polymerization is carried out in gas-phase with the operatingpressure between about 0.5 and about 5 MPa, alternatively between about1 and about 4 MPa. In some embodiments, the polymerization is carriedout in bulk polymerization with the operating pressure is between about1 and about 8 MPa, alternatively between about 1.5 and about 5 MPa. Insome embodiments, hydrogen is used as a molecular weight regulator.

The following examples are illustrative and not intended to limit thescope of this disclosure in any way.

EXAMPLES

Characterizations

Determination of Mg, Ti

The determination of Mg and Ti content in the solid catalyst componentwas carried out via inductively coupled plasma emission spectroscopy on“I.C.P Spectrometer ARL Accuris”.

The sample was prepared by analytically weighing, in a “Fluxy” platinumcrucible”, 0.1÷0.3 grams of catalyst and 2 grams of lithiummetaborate/tetraborate 1/1 mixture. After addition of some drops of KIsolution, the crucible was inserted in a “Claisse Fluxy” for thecomplete burning. The residue was collected with a 5% v/v HNO₃ solutionand then analyzed via CP at they following wavelengths: Magnesium,279.08 nm; and Titanium, 368.52 nm. [KH1]

Determination of Bi

The determination of Bi content in the solid catalyst component wascarried out via inductively coupled plasma emission spectroscopy on“I.C.P Spectrometer ARL Accuris”.

The sample was prepared by analytically weighing in a 200 cm³ volumetricflask 0.1÷0.3 grams of catalyst. After slow addition of both about 10milliliters of 65% v/v HNO₃ solution and about 50 cm³ of distilledwater, the sample underwent a digestion for 4÷6 hours. Then thevolumetric flask was diluted to the mark with deionized water. Theresulting solution was directly analyzed via ICP at the followingwavelength: Bismuth, 223.06 nm.

Determination of Internal Donor Content

The determination of the content of internal donor in the solidcatalytic compound was done through gas chromatography. The solidcomponent was dissolved in acetone, an internal standard was added, anda sample of the organic phase was analyzed in a gas chromatograph, todetermine the amount of donor present at the starting catalyst compound.

Determination of Xylene-Soluble Fraction 0/25° C.

2.5 g of polymer and 250 mL of o-xylene were introduced in a glass flaskequipped with a refrigerator and a magnetic stirrer. The temperature wasraised in 30 minutes up to the boiling point of the solvent. Thesolution was then kept under reflux and stirring for further 30 minutes.The closed flask was then kept for 30 minutes in a bath of ice and waterthen in thermostatic water bath at 25° C. for 30 minutes. The solid wasfiltered on quick filtering paper and 100 ml of the filtered liquid waspoured in a pre-weighed aluminum container, which was then heated on aheating plate under nitrogen flow, to remove the solvent by evaporation.The container was then kept in an oven at 80° C. under vacuum untilconstant weight was obtained. The content of the xylene-soluble fractionis expressed as a percentage of the original 2.5 grams and then, bydifference (complementary to 100), the X.I. %.

Molecular Weight Distribution (Mw/Mn)

Molecular weights and molecular weight distribution were measured at150° C. using a Waters Alliance GPCV/2000 instrument equipped with fourmixed-bed columns PLgel Olexis having a particle size of 13 μm. Thedimensions of the columns were 300×7.8 mm. The mobile phase used wasvacuum distilled 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene (TCB) and the flow rate was keptat 1.0 ml/min. The sample solution was prepared by heating the sampleunder stirring at 150° C. in TCB for one to two hours. The concentrationwas 1 mg/ml. To prevent degradation, 0.1 g/l of2,6-di-tert-butyl-p-cresol were added. 300 μl (nominal value) ofsolution were injected into the column set. A calibration curve wasobtained using 10 polystyrene standard samples (EasiCal kit by Agilent)with molecular weights in the range from 580 to 7 500 000. It wasassumed that the K values of the Mark-Houwink relationship were:

K=1.21×10⁻⁴ dl/g and α=0.706 for the polystyrene standards,

K=1.90×10⁻⁴ dl/g and α=0.725 for the experimental samples.

A third order polynomial fit was to interpolate the experimental dataand obtain the calibration curve. Data acquisition and processing wasdone by using Waters Empowers 3 Chromatography Data Software with GPCoption.

Melt Flow Rate (MFR)

The melt flow rate MFR of the polymer was determined according to ISO1133 (230° C., 2.16 Kg).

Determination of the Comonomer Content:

The comonomers content was determined by infrared spectroscopy bycollecting the IR spectrum of the sample vs. an air background with aFourier Transform Infrared spectrometer (FTIR) the instrument dataacquisition parameters were:

purge time: 30 seconds minimum

collect time: 3 minutes minimum

apodization: Happ-Genzel

resolution: 2 cm-1.

Sample Preparation:

Using a hydraulic press, a thick sheet was obtained by pressing about 1g of sample between two aluminum foils. When homogeneity was inquestion, a minimum of two pressing operations were performed. A smallportion was cut from the sheet to mold a film. The film thickness wasbetween 0.02-0.05 cm (8-20 mils).

Pressing temperature was 180±10° C. (356° F.) and about 10 kg/cm2 (142.2PSI) pressure for about one minute. The pressure was released and thesample was removed from the press and cooled to room temperature.

The spectrum of a pressed film of the polymer was recorded in absorbancevs. wavenumbers (cm-1). The following measurements were used tocalculate ethylene and 1-butene content:

Area (At) of the combination absorption bands between 4482 and 3950 cm-1which was used for spectrometric normalization of film thickness.

Area (AC2) of the absorption band between 750-700 cm-1 after two properconsecutive spectroscopic subtractions of an isotactic non additivatepolypropylene spectrum and then of a reference spectrum of an1-butene-propylene random copolymer in the range 800-690 cm-1.

Height (DC4) of the absorption band at 769 cm-1 (maximum value), aftertwo proper consecutive spectroscopic subtractions of an isotactic nonadditivate polypropylene spectrum and then of a reference spectrum of anethylene-propylene random copolymer in the range 800-690 cm-1.

To calculate the ethylene and 1-butene content calibration, straightslines for ethylene and 1-butene obtained from standards containingethylene and 1-butene:

Calibration of ethylene:

Calibration straight line was obtained by plotting AC2/At versusethylene molar percent (% C2m). The slope GC2 was calculated from alinear regression.

Calibration of 1-butene

A calibration straight line was obtained by plotting DC4/At versusbutene molar percent (% C4m). The slope GC4 was calculated from a linearregression.

Spectrum of the sample was recorded and then (At), (AC2) and (DC4) ofthe sample were calculated. The ethylene content (% molar fraction C2m)of the sample was calculated as follows:

${\%\mspace{11mu} C\; 2m} = {\frac{1}{G_{C\; 2}} \cdot \frac{A_{C\; 2}}{A_{t}}}$

The 1,butene content (% molar fraction C4m) of the sample was calculatedas follows:

${\%\mspace{11mu} C\; 4m} = {\frac{1}{G_{C\; 4}} \cdot \left( {\frac{A_{C\; 4}}{A_{t}} - I_{C\; 4}} \right)}$

The propylene content (molar fraction C3m) was calculated as follows:C3m=100−%C4m−%C2m

The ethylene and 1-butene contents by weight were calculated as follows:

${\%\mspace{11mu} C\; 2\mspace{11mu}{wt}} = {100 \cdot \frac{{28 \cdot C}\; 2m}{\left( {{{56 \cdot C}\; 4\; m} + {{41 \cdot C}\; 3m} + {{28 \cdot C}\; 2m}} \right)}}$${\%\mspace{11mu} C\; 4\mspace{11mu}{wt}} = {100 \cdot \frac{{56 \cdot C}\; 4m}{\left( {{{56 \cdot C}\; 4\; m} + {{42 \cdot C}\; 3m} + {{28 \cdot C}\; 2m}} \right)}}$

The comonomer content of components A) and B) were measured by using theformulas:C _(2tot) =X _(A) C _(2A) +X _(B) C _(2B) and C _(4tot) =X _(B) C _(4B)

Wherein

C2 is the ethylene derived units wt % of component A, B or totalethylene content;

C4 is the 1-butene derived units wt % of component B or total 1-butenecontent

X_(A) is the amount of component A Wt %/100

X_(B) is the amount of component B Wt %/100

Melting Temperature Via Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)

The melting points of the polymers (Tm) were measured by DifferentialScanning calorimetry (D.S.C.) on a Perkin Elmer DSC-1 calorimeter,calibrated against indium melting points, and according to ISO 11357-1,2009 and 11357-3, 2011, at 20° C./min. The weight of the samples in DSCcrucibles was kept at 6.0±0.5 mg.

To obtain the melting point, the weighed sample was sealed into aluminumpans and heated to 200° C. at 20° C./minute. The sample was kept at 200°C. for 2 minutes, then cooled to 5° C. at 20° C./minute. After standing2 minutes at 5° C., the sample was heated for the second run time to200° C. at 20° C./min. In this second heating run, the peak temperature(Tp,m) was taken as the melting temperature.

Determination of the Haze

An about 5×5 cm 50 μm thick film specimen was prepared by extruding eachtest composition in a single screw Collin extruder (length/diameterratio of screw 1:25) at a film drawing speed of 7 m/min and a melttemperature of 210-250° C. The haze value was measured using a Gardnerphotometric unit connected to a Hazemeter type UX-10 or an equivalentinstrument having G.E. 1209 light source with filter “C”. Referencespecimen were used for calibrating the instrument.

Seal Initiation Temperature (SIT)

Preparation of the Film Specimens

Films with a thickness of 50 μm were prepared by extruding each testcomposition in a single screw Collin extruder (length/diameter ratio ofscrew 1:25) at a film drawing speed of 7 m/min and a melt temperature of210-250° C. Each resulting film was superimposed on a 1000 μm thick filmof a propylene homopolymer having a xylene insoluble fraction of 97 wt %and a MFR L of 2 g/10 min. The superimposed films were bonded to eachother in a Carver press at 200° C. under a 9000 kg load, which wasmaintained for 5 minutes. The resulting laminates were stretchedlongitudinally and transversally (that is, biaxially) by a factor 6 witha T.M. Long film stretcher at 150° C., thus obtaining a 20 μm thick film(18 μm homopolymer+2 μm test). 2×5 cm specimens were cut from the films.

Determination of the SIT.

For each test, two of the specimens were superimposed in alignment, theadjacent layers being layers of the test composition. The superimposedspecimens were sealed along one of the 2 cm sides with a BruggerFeinmechanik Sealer, model HSG-ETK 745. Sealing time was 5 seconds at apressure of 0.1 N/mm². The sealing temperature was increased 1° C. foreach seal, starting from about 30° C. less than the melting temperatureof the composition. The sealed samples were left to cool and then theunsealed ends were attached to an Instron machine where the samples weretested at a traction speed of 50 mm/min.

The SIT was the minimum sealing temperature at which the seal did notbreak when a load of at least 2 Newtons was applied in the testconditions.

Creep and Recovery Test

Creep and recovery curves were measured by using a Physica MCR301rheometer having a cone plate geometry of 25 mm of radius and an angleof measuring cone of 1.992° grades with the cone plate on the top. Thetemperature of the tests was 200° C.

Determination of the Creep Time.

The complex viscosity was determined in a frequency sweep test from 100rad/s to 0.01 rad/s at constant strain of 5% and the value at frequencyof 0.01 rad/s was used to calculate the creep time (no time setting inthe profile). The creep time was then calculated by using the formula:Creep time=complex viscosity@0.01 rad/s/100;  [1]Wherein 100 was the applied stress in Pascal

Determination of Recovery Time

The recovery time was calculated according to the following formula:Recovery time=Creep time*7  [2]

Creep and Recovery Test

a) Creep

The creep was measured once a second for a maximum seconds according tothe creep time calculated in [1]. The shear stress applied was 100 Pa;

b) Recovery

The recovery was measured once a second for a maximum seconds accordingto the recovery time calculated in [2] The shear stress applied was 0Pa;

At the end of the test, the software calculated the curve seconds (s) vsPa.

Polymerization Examples 1 and 2

Procedure for the Preparation of the Spherical Adduct

Microspheroidal MgCl₂.pC₂H₅OH adduct was prepared according to themethod described in Comparative Example 5 of Patent Cooperation TreatyPublication No. WO98/44009, incorporated herein by reference, with thedifference that BiCl₃ in a powder form and in the amount of 3 mol % withrespect to the magnesium being added before feeding the oil. The adductcontained 11.2 wt % of Mg, based upon the total weight of the adduct.

Procedure for the Preparation of the Solid Catalyst Component

Into a 300 L jacketed reactor, equipped with mechanical stirrer,condenser and thermocouple, 200 L of TiCl₄ were introduced at roomtemperature under nitrogen atmosphere. After cooling to 0° C., whilestirring, diisobutylphthalate and 8 kg of the spherical adduct weresequentially added. The amount of charged internal donor was such tomeet a Mg/donor molar ratio of 8. The temperature was raised to 100° C.and maintained for 1 hours. Thereafter, stirring was stopped, the solidproduct was allowed to settle and the supernatant liquid was siphonedoff at 100° C. After the supernatant was removed, additional fresh TiCl₄was added to reach the initial liquid volume again. The mixture was thenheated at 120° C. and kept at this temperature for 1/2 hour. Stirringwas stopped again, the solid was allowed to settle and the supernatantliquid was siphoned off at 120° C. The treatment with TiCl₄ at 120° C.was then repeated again but the treatment time was decreased to 15minutes. The solid was washed with anhydrous hexane six times intemperature gradient down to 60° C. and one time at room temperature.The solid was then dried under vacuum.

Prepolymerization Treatment

Before introducing the solid catalyst component into the polymerizationreactors, the solid catalyst component was contacted with triethylaluminum (TEAL) and Dicyclopentyldimethoxysilane (DCPMS, D donor) in aratio reported in Table 1. Then the resulting mixture was subjected toprepolymerization by maintaining the mixture in suspension in liquidpropylene at 20° C. for about 5 minutes before introducing the mixtureinto the polymerization reactor.

Polymerization

Into a first gas phase polymerization reactor a propylene ethylenecopolymer was produced by feeding in a continuous and constant flow theprepolymerized catalyst system, hydrogen (when used as a molecularweight regulator), propylene, and ethylene, in the gas state.

The polymer produced in the first reactor was discharged in a continuousflow and, after having been purged of unreacted monomers, wasintroduced, in a continuous flow, into a second gas phase polymerizationreactor, together with quantitatively constant flows of hydrogen (whenused) 1-butene, ethylene and propylene, in the gas state.

The polymer particles exiting the second reactor were subjected to asteam treatment to remove the reactive monomers and volatile substances,and then dried.

The main polymerization conditions are reported in Table 1. The polymerfeatures are reported in Table 2.

TABLE 1 ex 1 ex 2 catalyst feed g/h 10 10 TEAL/solid catalyst componentg/g 4.2 3.9 weight ratio TEAL/D donor weight ratio g/g 3.9 4.3 First gasphase reactor Polymerisation temperature ° C. 70 70 Pressure barg 18.018.1 H2/C3 mol/mol 0.065 0.032 C2/C2 + C3 mol/mol 0.040 0.096 splitfirst reactor (amount A) wt % 34 35 Second gas phase reactorPolymerisation temperature ° C. 70 75 Pressure barg 16.0 16.0 MFR* g/10min 5.2 6.7 H2/C3 mol/mol 0.163 0.072 C2/C2 + C3 mol/mol 0.042 0.065C4/C4 + C3 mol/mol 0.130 0.138 split second reactor (amount B) wt % 6665 C2 = ethylene; C3 = propylene; C4 = 1-butene; H2 = hydrogen *totalMFR of component A) + component B)

TABLE 2 ex 1 ex 2 comp ex 1 split component A) wt % 34 35 35 C2-%content of wt % 3.3 3.5 3.3 component A MFR (total) g/10 min 5.2 6.7 5.5C2% content (total) wt % 3.4 3.0 3.2 C4% content (total) wt % 6.1 5.75.9 Xylene Soluble 0°/25° wt % 9.7 6.3 8.7 (XS) Mw/Mn 5.0 5.2 6.0 Tm °C. 130.4. 131.1 130.5 SIT ° C. 98 104 105 Haze % 0.12 0.10 0.20 Maximumrecoverable 1/Pa 35 10⁻⁵ 50 10⁻⁵ 78 10⁻⁵ compliance between 800 and 1200s 114-(XSx1.3) 101 106 103 C2 = ethylene; C3 = propylene; C4 = 1-butene;H2 = hydrogen

Comparative example 1 was a commercial product sold by LyondellBasellhaving the features reported in Table 2 and being produced by using acatalyst equal to Example 1 or Example 2, excluding bismuth.

Multilayer Film

The polymers of Examples 1 and 2 and comparative example 1 were used toproduce a A/B/A multilayer film wherein the A layer are the polymers ofthe examples and the B layer is a propylene homopolymer MOPLEN HP515Msold by LyondellBasell. Processing parameters are reported in Table 3.

TABLE 3 Layer thickness Melt temperature Line speed μm ° C. m/min LayerA Internal sealing 1 244 36 later Layer B Core 28 263 Layer A Outsidelayer 1 244The multilayer films were stretched longitudinally with a ratio 5.1:1and transversally with a ratio 9.1:1.

The film thickness profile was measured by a non-touchable (capacitive)measuring (sensor) system. The average thickness, min and max,thickness, and standard deviation 2-sigma % are reported in Table 4.

TABLE 4 Ex 1 Ex 2 Comp ex 1 Thickness Min μm 22.99 29.99 29.97 Thicknessμm 30.08 30.08 30.08 Average Thickness Max μm 30.10 30.15 30.22 2-sigma% 0.20 0.23 0.35

What is claimed is:
 1. A film comprising: (I) a polyolefin compositioncomprising: A) from about 19 wt % to about 50 wt %, based upon the totalweight of the polyolefin composition, of a propylene ethylene copolymerhaving an ethylene derived units content ranging from about 1.5 wt % toabout 6.0 wt %, based upon the total weight of the propylene ethylenecopolymer; and B) from about 50 wt % to about 81 wt %, based upon thetotal weight of the polyolefin composition, of a propylene ethylene1-butene terpolymer having an ethylene derived units content rangingfrom about 1.5 wt % to about 6.0 wt %, based upon the total weight ofthe propylene ethylene 1-butene terpolymer, and 1-butene derived unitscontent of between about 4.8 wt % and about 12.4 wt %, based upon thetotal weight of the propylene ethylene 1-butene terpolymer; the sum ofthe amount of component A) and B) being 100; the polyolefin compositionbeing characterized by the following features: molecular weightdistribution (MWD), expressed in terms of Mw/Mn, greater than about 4.0;melt Flow Rate (MFR 230° C., 2.16 kg) of the polyolefin composition, asa reactor grade, ranges from about 0.9 to about 25 g/10 min.; andwherein the creep and recovery curve measured on a polymer fuse at 200°C. shows a maximum value between 600 and 1200 seconds, lower than about53×10⁻⁴ l/Pa, wherein component A) of the polyolefin composition beingobtained by polymerizing propylene and ethylene in the presence of acatalyst comprising (a) the product of the reaction between: (i) a solidcatalyst component comprising (1) Ti, (2) Mg, (3) Cl, and (4) aninternal electron donor compound, containing from about 0.1 to about 50%wt of Bi, based upon the total weight of the solid catalyst component;(ii) an alkylaluminum compound and, (iii) an external electron-donorcompound; and wherein component B) of the polyolefin composition beingobtained by polymerizing propylene, ethylene and 1-butene in thepresence of a catalyst comprising (a) the product of the reactionbetween: (i) a solid catalyst component comprising (1) Ti, (2) Mg, (3)Cl, and (4) an internal electron donor compound, containing from about0.1 to about 50% wt of Bi, based upon the total weight of the solidcatalyst component; (ii) an alkylaluminum compound and, (iii) anexternal electron-donor compound.
 2. The film according to claim 1,wherein the creep and recovery curve measured on the polymer fuse at200° C. shows a maximum value between 600 and 1200 seconds, lower thanabout 51×10⁴ l/Pa.
 3. The film according to claim 1, wherein in thepolyolefin composition, component A) ranges from about 25 wt % to about42 wt %, based upon the total weight of the polyolefin composition, andcomponent B) ranges from about 58 wt % to about 75 wt %, based upon thetotal weight of the polyolefin composition.
 4. The film according toclaim 1, wherein in the polyolefin composition, the ethylene derivedunits content in component A) ranges from about 2.6 wt % to about 5.2 wt%, based upon the total weight of the propylene ethylene copolymer. 5.The polyolefin composition according to claim 1, wherein in thepolyolefin composition, the ethylene derived units content in componentB) ranges from about 1.9 wt % to about 4.8 wt %, based upon the totalweight of the propylene ethylene 1-butene terpolymer; and the 1-butenederived units content ranges from about 5.1 wt % to about 10.3 wt %,based upon the total weight of the propylene ethylene 1-buteneterpolymer.
 6. The film according to claim 1, wherein in the polyolefincomposition, the ethylene derived units content ranges from about 1.5 wt% to about 6.0 wt %, based upon the total weight of the polyolefincomposition.
 7. The film according to claim 1, wherein in the polyolefincomposition the 1-butene derived units content ranges from about 3.2 wt% to about 9.8 wt %, based upon the total weight of the polyolefincomposition.
 8. The film according to claim 1, being a multilayer filmhaving at least a skin layer comprising the polyolefin composition. 9.The film according to claim 8, wherein the multilayer film has from 3 to11 layers.
 10. The film according to claim 8, wherein the multilayerfilm has from 3 to 7 layers.
 11. The film according to claim 8, whereinthe multilayer film has from 3 or 5 layers.
 12. The film according toclaim 8, wherein the multilayer film has the structure A/B/A or A/B/Cand the A-layer comprises the polyolefin composition.